The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and Axiom Space, a US company specializing in space flights and the development of space infrastructure signed an agreement to release the first long-term mission to the International Space Station (ISS), as part of a NASA, Space-X and Crew-6 mission that will launch in spring 2023.
UAE President His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the UAE is strengthening its stature in the space sector, due to its people’s determination and ambition, noting that Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi will represent an honorable model for the Emirati and Arab youth.
Al Neyadi will spend six months aboard the ISS and will conduct many in-depth and advanced scientific experiments as part of the UAE Astronaut Programme that aims to train and prepare a team of Emirati astronauts and send them to space to carry out various scientific missions, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
MBRSC Board of Directors Chairman Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori said the UAE’s National Space Program is based on the proactive vision of the country’s leadership aimed at foreseeing the future, noting that it will help boost the UAE’s regional and international stature in the space sector.
MBRSC Director-General Salem Humaid Al Marri said Al Neyadi completed intensive training courses as a substitute astronaut during the Zayed Ambition mission in 2018 and received an astronaut badge from NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.
The UAE Astronaut program launched by the MBRSC aims to establish the infrastructure of the UAE’s space sector and is one of the most inspiring programs that aim to meet the aspirations of young people with unique scientific capacities and personal skills.
It also aims to develop the capabilities of Emirati astronauts and enable them to operate the ISS.
